First Creek DEN Open Space

When you’re the first group to do the first hike on the First Creek Trail at DEN Open Space, you’ll also be the first to discover its many surprises.

And many showed themselves.

Six of us signed up on MeetUp for a Walk2Connect Walk&Talk at 9 am to do an inaugural walk on the new First Creek Trail DEN Open Space. Recently opened, this 192-acre trail which is owned by the Denver International Airport (thus, the reason for DEN in its title) and manage by the Denver Park and Rec, greeted us to a wonderful 4-mile total down-and-back walk. We met in the trail head at the northwest corner of Peña Blvd and 56th Ave in Denver.

After a bit of prairie dog interpretation highlighting the large prairie dog colony at the trail head, we headed north on the old abandoned Buckley Road. A short distance later, we took a hard right to jump onto the trail. With a 8-ft wide concrete path ribboning the First Creek, we ambled along under Peña Blvd. Our first surprise literally jumped out at us–a fledgling barn owl. Photos and a quick call to Colorado’s wildlife line to confirm we should leave it alone, we continued along.

Next up, who knew a horse barn and corrals would dot our view to the south while the Creek flowed on our north? The trail opened up to a wide prairie view and the Creek flowed wider while we crossed over it. Shortly, we passed under 56th Ave, marveled at the mud swallow nests, and then continued.

Just as we were hitting our stride, we walked through the double-arched bridge of Airport Road, and surprise, the end of the Trail! Sadly the Trail abruptly ends, but to our joy, there’s a nice water feature of flat rocks which invites walkers to have a seat and enjoy the respite. Mallard ducks greeted us as we took a small break before heading back to the trail head.

On our way back to the trail head, the A train passed over us and the barn owl still held its perch. Kingfishers, Killdeer, and Golden Finches flew by. Although a short 2 mile to the end and 2 miles back to the trail head for a total of 4 miles, the First Creek Trail at DEN Open Space offered up a quality walk. We can’t wait to see it extend to the High Line Canal! Join us on our next walk on the First Creek at DEN Open Space on November 2, 2016. Sign up here.

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Recent Thoughts

Colorado is known for mild weather, beautiful mountains and a wide variety of outdoor adventures. Lucky for you there are dozens of hiking trails near Denver that exemplify why Denver is an outdoor destination all year round.

Here at UrbanHikingDEN we explore the best hikes in Denver, showing you where to head if you want to get out on the trail within minutes of the city center.

Hiking in Denver is a year-round activity. With well-maintained trails and easy access to the most populated areas of town, hiking Denver is an activity you can enjoy both when you are local to the city or visiting from out of town. Taking an urban hike in Denver is easy and close by.

Chris Englert has personally hiked all 78 neighborhoods in Denver and is a foremost expert on the best hikes in Denver. Colorado.